Budget-Friendly Euro Adventure: Istanbul to Croatia Backpacking Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on July 22, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Simit Sarayi

Enjoy budget-friendly traditional Turkish simit (sesame bagels) and tea at this popular local bakery chain.
TRY15, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Visit Sultanahmet Square

Explore iconic sights like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. These are free or very low-cost to enter, historic, and stunning to see.
TRY100, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Durumzade

Try delicious, affordable Turkish wraps (durum) popular with locals and travellers alike.
TRY40, 45 minutes

2:30PM

Explore the Grand Bazaar

Wander this huge covered market for souvenirs and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Entry is free.
FREE, 2 hours

5:00PM

Check into Cheers Hostel

A budget-friendly hostel near Sultanahmet, great for backpackers with a social vibe and central location.
EUR15/night, Check-in and rest

7:00PM

Dinner at Çiğ Köfteci Ali Usta

Sample affordable raw vegan köfte snacks, a unique Turkish specialty perfect for a budget meal.
TRY30, 1 hour
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Day 2: More Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on July 23, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Budget-friendly traditional Turkish breakfast including cheeses and olives, a delicious start to your day.
TRY60, 1 hour

9:30AM

Ferry ride on the Bosphorus

Take a public ferry to see Istanbul’s skyline and waterfront. It’s affordable and scenic.
TRY25, 2 hours round trip

12:00PM

Lunch at Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Enjoy local meatballs in an iconic, budget-friendly restaurant loved by locals.
TRY50, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Basilica Cistern

Explore this ancient underground water reservoir, a cool, inexpensive attraction.
TRY30, 1 hour

3:00PM

Free walking tour

Join a budget-friendly free walking tour to learn more about Istanbul history and culture - tips encouraged.
Tip-based, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Balıkçı Sabahattin

Try affordable, fresh seafood in a casual setting.
TRY70, 1 hour
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Day 3: Lisbon Arrival

Lisbon, Portugal on July 24, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Fabrica da Nata

Grab a famous Portuguese custard tart and coffee at very low cost to start your day.
EUR3, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Check-in at Travellers House Hostel

A budget-friendly and social hostel located centrally in Lisbon.
EUR15/night, Check-in

11:00AM

Explore Alfama neighbourhood

Wander the oldest quarter with its narrow streets, local shops and viewpoints for photo ops. Free to roam.
FREE, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Time Out Market

Try a variety of affordable Portuguese street food stalls at this lively market.
EUR10, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Belém Tower

See this historic landmark by the river; entrance is cheap and it offers great views.
EUR6, 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax at Miradouro de Santa Catarina

Chill at this free viewpoint with great city views and a relaxed vibe.
FREE, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at A Merendeira

Affordable Portuguese cuisine popular with locals, perfect for budget dining.
EUR10, 1 hour
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Day 4: Discover Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal on July 25, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Janis

Affordable breakfast with coffee and pastries to fuel your day.
EUR5, 45 minutes

9:00AM

Visit LX Factory

Cool arts and culture district with shops, street art and budget eats; entry free.
FREE, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Rio Maravilha

Budget-friendly rooftop dining with great views over the river and city.
EUR12, 1 hour

2:00PM

Ride Tram 28

Take this iconic historic tram through Lisbon’s key neighbourhoods for a low-cost scenic tour.
EUR3, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit São Jorge Castle

Affordable entry to a stunning castle with panoramic views across Lisbon.
EUR10, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Cantinho do Aziz

Try delicious and affordable Mozambican cuisine, popular with locals for budget dinners.
EUR8, 1 hour
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Day 5: Porto Arrival

Porto, Portugal on July 26, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Padaria Ribeiro

Cheap and tasty Portuguese bakery items to start your Porto day.
EUR3, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Check-in at Gallery Hostel

Budget-friendly, artsy hostel located in Porto’s city centre.
EUR16/night, Check-in

11:00AM

Visit Livraria Lello

Famous historic bookstore with breathtaking architecture; low-cost entry.
EUR5, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Casa Guedes

Enjoy affordable and famous pork sandwich with Serra cheese - a local favourite.
EUR6, 1 hour

2:00PM

Walk along Ribeira District

Explore the lively riverfront area full of colour, perfect for budget travellers wandering freely.
FREE, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Palácio da Bolsa

Beautiful and historic stock exchange palace, entry is low-cost with guided tours.
EUR10, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Adega São Nicolau

Traditional Portuguese dishes at affordable prices in a relaxed setting.
EUR12, 1 hour
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Day 6: Explore Porto

Porto, Portugal on July 27, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Majestic

Iconic café with stunning interiors; opt for coffee and pastries on a budget.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Tour Port Wine Cellars

Visit Vila Nova de Gaia’s port wine cellars with affordable tasting options for budget travellers.
EUR8, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Mercado do Bolhão

Try fresh and cheap market food downtown while experiencing Portuguese market atmosphere.
EUR6, 1 hour

1:30PM

Walk Dom Luís I Bridge

Free to cross this iconic double-deck metal bridge with fantastic riverside views.
FREE, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Serralves Museum Gardens

Enjoy budget-friendly entry to the gardens for a relaxing and scenic afternoon.
EUR5, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Taberna Santo António

Affordable and authentic Portuguese tavern serving tasty local dishes.
EUR10, 1 hour
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Day 7: Travel to Faro

Faro, Portugal on July 28, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Padaria Portuguesa in Porto

Affordable Portuguese bakery chain perfect for a quick breakfast before travel.
EUR3, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Bus to Faro

Take a budget-friendly long-distance bus (Rede Expressos) from Porto to Faro (approx 6-7 hours).
EUR30, 6-7 hours

5:00PM

Check-in at The Sintra House Faro Hostel

Affordable hostel in Faro, great for backpackers with shared facilities and central location.
EUR15/night, Check-in

7:00PM

Dinner at Fargo Bistro

Budget-friendly casual dining with local Portuguese dishes at low prices.
EUR10, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Relax Faro Beaches

Faro, Portugal on July 29, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Évora

Affordable breakfast spot in Faro with good coffee and pastries.
EUR5, 45 minutes

9:30AM

Visit Praia de Faro

Relax on this wide, sandy beach popular with locals. Free entry and perfect for budget travellers.
FREE, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at O Castelo

A simple, low-cost traditional Portuguese eatery near Faro old town.
EUR8, 1 hour

3:00PM

Stroll Faro Old Town

Explore car-free streets, the cathedral, and marina for free.
FREE, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at A Venda

Budget-friendly Portuguese tavern with home-style food.
EUR10, 1 hour
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Day 9: Ria Formosa Day Trip

Faro, Portugal on July 30, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Simple breakfast included or self-made to save money on this active day.
Included or Minimal, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Ria Formosa Natural Park tour

Join an affordable boat tour visiting lagoons, wildlife, and islands within this natural park.
EUR15, 4 hours

1:00PM

Picnic lunch at Armona Island Beach

Buy groceries locally and enjoy a low-cost picnic on the island beach.
EUR5 for supplies, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return to Faro

Relax and explore more of Faro if time allows.
FREE, Afternoon to evening

7:00PM

Dinner at Café Aliança

Budget-friendly diner with authentic Portuguese meals.
EUR8, 1 hour
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Day 10: Explore Tavira

Tavira, Portugal (day trip from Faro) on July 31, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Quick, simple breakfast before travel.
Included/Minimal, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Train to Tavira

Affordable train ride to charming Algarve town, under 30 mins travel.
EUR4, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Walk Tavira Old Town & Castle

Enjoy this beautiful town on foot, visit the castle and churches with low to no cost.
EUR2 for castle entry, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Brisa do Rio

Budget restaurant with local seafood and Portuguese dishes.
EUR10, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax Praia do Barril beach

Free beach access, enjoy natural beauty and calm waters.
FREE, 3 hours

6:30PM

Train back to Faro

Return to Faro for the evening.
EUR4, 30 minutes

7:30PM

Dinner at Taberna Modesto

Affordable Portuguese tapas and local dishes in lively atmosphere.
EUR10, 1 hour
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Day 11: Faro Chill & Pack

Faro, Portugal on August 1, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at local café

Start your day with cheap coffee and pastries before travel preparation.
EUR5, 45 minutes

9:00AM

Easy morning stroll in Faro

Visit Faro Marina and old town for final sightseeing at no cost.
FREE, 2 hours

11:00AM

Pack & hostel checkout

Prepare for next destination to Barcelona.
FREE, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Restaurante Ria Formosa

Budget-friendly Portuguese cuisine close to town centre.
EUR10, 1 hour

2:30PM

Bus/flight to Barcelona

Budget flight preferred to save time. Book in advance for low fares.
EUR40-60, 2-3 hours
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Day 12: Barcelona Highlights

Barcelona, Spain on August 2, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at La Boqueria Market

Affordable fresh juice and pastries at iconic market.
EUR5, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Free walking tour of Barcelona Gothic Quarter

Learn about the city’s history with free tours (tip based).
Tip-based, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Els 4 Gats

Budget-friendly Catalan cuisine with authentic atmosphere.
EUR12, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Parc Güell

Affordable ticket to Gaudí’s artistic park with great views.
EUR10, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Barceloneta Beach

Free access to sandy beach for some downtime.
FREE, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at La Taqueria

Cheap Mexican food popular with budget travellers.
EUR10, 1 hour
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Day 13: More Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain on August 3, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de Finca

Affordable coffee and pastries to start your day.
EUR5, 45 minutes

9:00AM

Visit La Sagrada Família

Budget ticket to Gaudí’s world-famous basilica.
EUR15, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bo de B

Cheap and delicious sandwich spot near the beach.
EUR6, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Montjuïc Hill

Free or low-cost access to gardens, viewpoints and Olympic sites.
FREE to EUR5 (depending on activities), 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Can Paixano (La Xampanyeria)

Affordable cava and small tapas plates in lively setting.
EUR10, 1 hour
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Day 14: Croatia: Split Begin

Split, Croatia on August 4, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel in Barcelona

Simple breakfast before flight to Split.
Included or EUR5, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Flight to Split, Croatia

Budget airline flight booked in advance to save costs.
EUR50-70, 2 hours

12:30PM

Check-in at Hostel Split4U

Backpacker-friendly hostel right in the city centre with great prices.
EUR15/night, Check-in

1:30PM

Lunch at Kantun Paulina

Very affordable and authentic Croatian street food, famous cevapi and burek.
EUR6, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Diocletian's Palace

Free entry to the old palace ruins scattered throughout the city centre, a UNESCO site.
FREE or minimal for some areas, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Bistro Toc

Affordable Croatian cuisine with local ambience, perfect for backpackers.
EUR10, 1 hour
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Day 15: Split & Surroundings

Split, Croatia on August 5, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at D16 Coffee

Good value breakfast coffee and light bites.
EUR5, 45 minutes

9:30AM

Day trip to Trogir

Catch a budget bus to beautiful historic coastal town Trogir nearby, around 30 minutes away.
EUR5 round trip, 6 hours including exploration

1:00PM

Lunch at Konoba Trs

Affordable traditional Dalmatian fare in Trogir.
EUR10, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Split

Relax and enjoy Split harbour or old town in the evening.
FREE, Evening

7:00PM

Dinner at Fife Restaurant

Popular budget-friendly eatery with large portions of Croatian home cooking.
EUR10, 1 hour
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Day 16: Beach Day & Social

Split, Croatia on August 6, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast included or budget café

Simple morning meal to fuel the day.
EUR5, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Visit Bacvice Beach

Free public beach known for sandy shore and local social atmosphere.
FREE, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kantun Paulina

Cheap street food near beach, perfect for budget travellers.
EUR6, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Marjan Hill

Free nature reserve with great views and hiking trails just outside the city centre.
FREE, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar

Budget-friendly plates in a chill atmosphere, great for backpackers.
EUR10, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 17: Kastela Village Trip

Split region, Croatia on August 7, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Quick and budget-friendly meal before day trip.
Included or EUR5, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Bus trip to Kastela

Affordable public bus to historic coastal villages just outside Split.
EUR3 round trip, 3-4 hours exploring

1:00PM

Lunch at local konoba in Kastela

Enjoy budget local seafood or Croatian specialties in a small village eatery.
EUR10, 1 hour

2:30PM

Return to Split & relax

Enjoy the evening in Split's old town or harbour area.
FREE, Evening

7:00PM

Dinner at Bokeria Kitchen & Wine

Affordable shared plates and local wine in a lively setting.
EUR12, 1 hour
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Day 18: Travel to Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Croatia on August 8, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Simple meal before travel day.
EUR5, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Bus to Dubrovnik

Budget-friendly bus ride (approx 4-5 hours) to the beautiful city of Dubrovnik.
EUR18, 5 hours

2:30PM

Check-in at Old Town Hostel

Backpacker hostel in the heart of Dubrovnik old town with great value.
EUR18/night, Check-in

3:30PM

Stroll Dubrovnik Old Town Walls

Entry fee but well worth the panoramic views of the Adriatic and medieval city.
EUR30, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Pizzeria & Trattoria Storia

Affordable pizza and pasta dishes close to old town.
EUR10, 1 hour
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Day 19: Dubrovnik Beaches & Explore

Dubrovnik, Croatia on August 9, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Dubravka 1836

Affordable breakfast with views near the old town entrance.
EUR6, 45 minutes

9:30AM

Relax at Banje Beach

Popular pebble beach just outside the city walls, free access.
FREE, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Fast Food & Grocery Stari Grad

Cheap sandwiches and snacks ideal for budget travellers.
EUR5, 1 hour

2:30PM

Cable car ride to Mount Srđ

Affordable cable car with panoramic views over Dubrovnik and the Adriatic.
EUR15, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Nishta

Vegetarian and vegan-friendly budget restaurant with tasty options.
EUR10, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 20: Last Day in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Croatia on August 10, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel or local bakery

Simple breakfast to start last day in Croatia.
EUR5, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Free walking tour or self-guided exploring

Use your last day to see any parts of Dubrovnik not yet visited for free or cheap.
FREE or tip-based, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Lokanda Peskarija

Affordable casual seafood spot in Old Port area.
EUR10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Pack and relax

Prepare for departure next day and enjoy final city strolls.
FREE, Afternoon

7:00PM

Dinner at Taj Mahal (Bosnian food)

Budget-friendly Balkan cuisine with great local reviews.
EUR10, 1 hour
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Day 21: Return Home

Dubrovnik to Cape Town on August 11, 2025

6:00AM

Early breakfast at Hostel

Quick meal before airport transfer.
Included or EUR5, 30 minutes

7:00AM

Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport

Affordable airport shuttle or bus to catch your flight home.
EUR5, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Fly back to Cape Town

Long-haul budget return flight booked in advance for best prices.
Variable, Flight duration
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